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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

I was dubious about reading 'Illuminae' by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff because a) Science Fiction is not my thing and b) the book is around 600 pages.
But I am pleased to say that I have nothing but praise for 'Illuminae', which has been nominated for a string of awards including Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.

The year is 2575, and the remote planet Kerenza is being invaded by a mega-corporation called Bio-Tech. The day of the invasion is the day teenage Kady breaks up her relationship with Ezra.
It is clear, however, that the pair are still greatly attracted to one another and this attraction and
tension is a compelling factor in the novel.

The world(s) in which Kady and Ezra inhabit are very different to our world. Spaceships, jump gates and wormholes enable people to travel from planet to planet.

The unravelling plot will have you riveted as a deadly virus is being unleashed on an unsuspecting population. Chances of survival are slim and getting slimmer.

The writing is sharp and edgy. Ezra's friend and Ezra have a conversation about Kady. His friend McNulty writes 'You are IN' 'PICKING CURTAINS' 'MEETING PARENTS' 'MAKING PUPPIES'.

At one point, Kady asks 'What's a book?' Is she serious? I'm not sure.

'Illuminae' is highly readable. Don't be put off by the 600 pages either-many of the pages are visuals-images that give the reader a sense of space and space travel.